Striker Ben Mills returns to Rangers

Stafford Rangers have brought back striker Ben Mills to the club from Alfreton and reached verbal agreements with three of last season's squad.

The Mills deal is subject to their Blue Square North rivals handing over the player's registration, but the Reds have already agreed to release him and cancel his contract, which had a year left to run.

Rangers also expect defender Grant Goodhead, left-back Jon Patrick and utility player Andre Francis to return for next season, after concluding talks with the trio.

They join goalkeeper Lee Evans in agreeing to stay, while Craig McAughtrie signed a one-year deal last month after a successful return to the club on loan from Eastwood last season.

But it's the return of Mills that is the biggest news for Rangers, who bid goodbye to him last November after just four months at Marston Road, just as he was starting to come good with six goals in 17 games.

However, the subsequent move to Alfreton failed to work out for the former Leek forward, with boss Brindley now stepping in to offer an escape route from the Impact Arena.

And the manager is pleased to be reunited with one of his star finds from last summer.

Brindley said: "It's a done deal, it hasn't worked out for Ben at Alfreton and their manager Nicky Law has been good about releasing him from his contract. He's happy to return and I am a big fan of his.

"He's got such potential, he's only 20-years-old and already a big unit. But there's improvement in him and he's still got a lot to learn. He needs a full season at this level and to play every week - he's got that opportunity with us.

"It's up to him to work hard and see it through."